Jonathan Bonamarte

Jonathan Bonamarte has always been drawn to architecture, even before he knew it was a career path. As a child, he spent hours building houses out of Legos and eagerly joining in on his family’s house-hunting adventures. Now a design studies major with an interior design and architecture concentration at Tennessee Tech, he is turning that early passion into a promising future.

“I remember looking though different majors and seeing architecture,” Bonamarte said. “I’ve always loved houses, and it just made sense. It was the best idea I ever had to try it out.”

His decision to attend to Tech was influenced by a strong personal connection— his father is an alumnus. That familiarity made the transition to college feel natural, but Bonamarte also discovered a new side of the university as he explored campus and its programs.

At Tech, he found more than just a degree program; he found a close-knit academic community. He describes the interior design and architecture concentration as a hands-on, collaborative environment where students receive one-on-one attention from professors.

“It feels like you have direct access to your professors,” he said. “We all know and love Mr. Gunnels, design studies lecturer. I’m his teaching assistant, and it just feels like we’re a team working through everything together.”

Bonamarte’s education extends beyond the classroom. Since the summer of 2024, he has held an internship with Legacy South Home Builders in Nashville, an opportunity made possible through Tech’s professional connections.

“I wouldn’t have gotten that internship without Mr. Gunnels,” he said. “It’s been an amazing experience. And the best part is, anybody in our program can get opportunities like this. We have so many connections, and everybody is getting great internships early.”

Beyond his major, Bonamarte is heavily involved on campus. He plays viola in the university orchestra and is active in ARC, the robotics club. Balancing a full schedule—including a 20-credit-hour course load—is challenging, but he believes it’s worth it.

“It’s definitely a time commitment, especially with music,” he said. “But at the end of the semester, I always look back and think, ‘That wasn’t so bad. I actually enjoyed the rush.’”

Bonamarte’s passion for architecture extends to biophilic design, a style that integrates nature into structures. Inspired by architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, he believes in the mental health benefits of green spaces and sustainable designs.

“There’s science behind it—having just one plant in your room can improve your mental health,” he said. “I love green roofs, natural elements in design, all of it.”

Looking ahead, he envisions a career in residential architecture, appreciating the practicality and creativity it allows. His recent commercial project—a theater design—has led to a real-world proposal, making his dream of seeing his designs come to life a reality.

His advice to future students? Stick with it!

“Some people get discouraged early on, wondering why they’re just drawing lines and circles,” he said. “But you have to learn the fundamentals before you can build something great. Just stick in there, because it gets fun.”